I have some guilt

 

I feel guilty because I have never had any really good professional pictures taken of my cute Marie. It seems like our lives have been so busy since she has come along and with all our moving and all the expenses of buying a home, we just haven't done it, and it bothers me.  So I make myself feel better by taking a lot of pictures of her on my own, and all I can say is this....my #1 item on my wish list is........a NEW CAMERA!!! That won't be happening anytime soon, so I will do my best with what I have and just be really grateful I have such a cute girl to take pictures of!

 

 

 

Summer lifesaver

So I figured out early on this summer that one way I could get yard work done, or anything else for that matter, was to make shaved ice.  We made so much that my shaved ice maker broke in September after a whole lot of use.  I would sprinkle a little bit of flavored powder (that you use to flavor water)  It flavored the ice enough to keep it interesting to the kids without a lot of sugar.  It was the best for Marie because it took her a lot of time to eat all of her ice, so I got a lot done.  I have really enjoyed this summer in our little house surrounded by great neighbors and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

First Boots.

 

We have been waiting for this day.  I didn't think it would come as soon as it did, but I guess Matt felt like it was time. I don't think Marie knew what to think and they are a little big.  She walks like she is saddle sore, it's so cute. She is growing fond of her boots, and we are never tired of seeing her strut around in them.  Probably the cutest little cowgirl in the whole wide world!

 

 

24th of July

Every year on the 24th of July a park close to our home has a parade as well as games and festivities all day. This is our second year going and I am sure it will always be a tradition for our family.  I wish I would have taken more pictures.  Some highlights were the basketball game that shoots water at you if you loose, the bouncy slides, the firetruck that shoots massive amounts of water from the very top of the extended fire truck ladder that the kids get to run through and of course get SOAKED, and this year Marie and I got to go on a little horse ride together.  We had a great time as a family and loved seeing so many of our friends their as well.

First day of Kindergarten.

Maybe, just maybe a little overkill on the pictures, but I have to remember these two little faces because they will soon change, too soon.  I know it happens fast that they grow up and I will no longer be their favorite person in the world and I am not trying to stop any growing they may do, I actually welcome it, but it is still hard.  I was the crying mom standing in their new classroom trying to quickly wipe away the tears and smile as huge as I could, I did not want my children to think I wasn't happy, and really I was.  Maybe they were tears of joy like Matt said cause now I get to take a nap when Marie does, but I have to admit there was some sadness in those tears.  Not because I couldn't handle them being away for three hours a day, because I can....I REALLY can.  I think it has to do with them loosing a little bit of their innocence once they start school.  Maybe having to deal with some mean kids or hearing some language they wouldn't hear in our home.  It has to happen I cannot shelter them forever and really since I have to send them away everyday for school there is NO other place I would rather do that then right here in Logan.

 

Matt and I left the school feeling overwhelmed with gratitude that they are in the school they are in.  That I was a substitute teacher there and know a lot of the teachers already, that Matt's sister Brenda is a teacher there and loves our kids to death and she will be just down the hall.  That we have lived in three wards in North Logan so we know many of the people we saw coming and going that day to drop of their kids.  That they are in walking distance of our home church and grandma's house and that they went already having little neighborhood friends that they have spent many days with this summer.  It felt good and right and like a huge blessing.....but it was still just a little sad.

 

 

 the boys have a lot of neighborhood friends some are older but a few started kindergarten with them. Tait, Daniel, Nathan, and Terrick.

                                                    All grown up and ready to learn

 They started out the day with a little visit from their Aunt Brenda who is a third grade teacher at the same school.

This is their new teacher Mrs. Martinez.  This is her first year teaching and she graduated from USU.  She is so cute and we even got to see her that same night at the USU game, they started school off right to have a True Aggie for their first teacher.

4th of July 2012

Finally time to post about my favorite holiday ever.  It's always the same every year. We spend a few days in Liberty Utah up by the Noel family cabin.  Usually a day at the lake and then the actual fourth is spent at Liberty park.  There is a small town parade in the morning and the kids are always dressed up real festive, all the grand kids are loaded in the decorated trailer and my dad drives them down the road so everyone can cheer and the kids can throw candy.  Then there is a breakfast along with booths and games all day.

 

 We have to take a few minutes out of our busy day to take some pictures of these beautiful festive little people.

 And the excitement is always enough to just poop you right out.

 And then my cute little nieces seem to always put their money together to buy some little treasure for my kiddos. This year a little princess costume for our little princess. 

 Marie mooches treats off of anyone who will let her......which isn't too hard since most of us just can't say no to this little one.

 The fourth of July is not the fourth of July without a lot of watermelon and Marie does not want to waste one bit.

 A game of horse shoes and some cousin time...good for the soul.

 Maybe not totally excited to share a soda, but it makes mom feel better then giving them each their own can of pure sugar.

 And my cute parents.  Mom Noel with endless energy and my cute dad who has completely lost all of his.

 And where else can you go fishing with your bare hands in a massive pool for your own trout? 

 These are some lucky blessed kids who get to see both Grandmas and many times together at the same party.

The day is never complete without a ride on the tractor Caterpillar.

We always end the day with dinner and then a huge dance at dusk....and of course fireworks at dark.  Like I said it really is just the perfect holiday at the perfect place.